Jonesboro, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – Here’s a look at some of the local news stories from Jonesboro Right Now over the past week.
Local Couple Aims to Bring Climbing Gym to Jonesboro
June 8, 2026 – A Jonesboro couple is working to ensure there is a new way for residents to stay active and have fun, regardless of skill level.
Korey and Eric South are currently laying the groundwork to bring a dedicated climbing gym to town. While the project is still in its early stages, the couple is actively seeking to gauge community interest to prove a facility like this can thrive in Northeast Arkansas.
“Well, for me, it’s a bit of an obsession. I started climbing a little over a year ago, and it was just like instantly in love for me,” Eric said. “I find exercises that aren’t very engaging pretty difficult, and for me, climbing… just hits everything right. It allows me to work out, be engaged, and solve problems.” READ MORE
The Learning Center Launches “Keys to Independence” Housing Initiative for Adults with Disabilities
June 9, 2026 – The Learning Center (TLC), a nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities since 1959, has announced the launch of a capital campaign to build Keys to Independence, a new housing community designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The $6 million project will create 20 accessible apartments in Jonesboro, providing safe, affordable housing paired with supportive services that allow adults with IDD to live as independently as possible while remaining connected to the care they need. READ MORE
Best Buy Announces Opening Date for Jonesboro Store
June 11, 2026 – Spencer Vaughn, general manager for the Jonesboro Best Buy, made an appearance on 104.9 The Fox with Stafford and Frigo Thursday morning to announce the opening date and festivities for the return of the electronics store.
“I cannot put into words how excited we are,” said Vaughn. Best Buy will officially open on July 30. “You should see the blue going up in not too terribly long,” he added.
The store will be located on the corner of Highland and Caraway in the Highland Shopping Center and has plans for a “Best Buy’s Back Block Party” to celebrate. READ MORE
$3.5 Billion Investment Secures First Phases of Steel River Energy Center in Mississippi County
June 12, 2026 – One of the largest solar and battery storage facilities in the United States is taking a massive step forward right in Northeast Arkansas.
Cypress Creek Energy announced June 11 that it has secured $3.5 billion in financing to fund the first two phases of the Steel River Energy Center, a large utility-scale energy project located in Mississippi County, specifically in Wilson.
The company said that when fully completed in 2029, the three-phase project will generate 2.45 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity and 2.9 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery storage, reinforcing regional grid reliability by deploying stored power during peak demand. The newly announced $3.5 billion financial package specifically funds Phases 1 and 2, which will deliver 1.63 GW of solar and 1.9 GWh of storage. READ MORE
